There’s a whole lotta advertisement out there, but none are better than the vintage ones. And we mean that in a most sarcastic way. These highly entertaining, yet profoundly uncomfortable ads depict an era of times past. An age that many wish to revisit, but forget the incredible amount of sexist, racist, and homophobic basically everything. But a look back can be very educational as well as mildly funny, though you might just be laughing at the awkwardness of it all. So, if you’re ready, let’s get on with the vintage gold.
Love’s Baby Soft
Though innocent in appearance, when you read the words you realize just how creepy this ad is. Although it’s an advertisement for body mist, anything that puts a child and the word sexy is a nono.
As adorable as the girl in this ad is, we can’t help but feel majorly uncomfortable. That being said, this ad might be one of the most appealing if it just said body mist. We can just feel the softness of that teddy bear, and wish we could smell it ourselves.
Keep Your Face On Longer
This one’s a bit more innocent, as it’s really just advertising a spray that helps your makeup stay. The thing about this one, however, is its choice use of words. It’s just a tad below body positivity standards.
While some might still say “I need to go put my face on”, it’s a bit problematic to imply that using makeup is someone’s face. It might be your choice to say something like that, but companies try to avoid implying you only look good in makeup.
She Was A “Perfect Wife”…
What defines a “perfect wife” these days? Is it her cooking skills, her beauty, or is it her willingness to submit to her man? Fortunately, that’s not the way we try to think about it these days. At least, most of us don’t.
Most might be able to give you an answer to that question, but the answers you’ll receive are on more of a “what do you look for in a partner” type of way. Objectifying women and saying “the perfect wife” is not okay. Rather, try to look for what makes them the perfect friend.
Suppose You Switch Jobs With Your Husband
We’d all be in a world of hurt, that’s for sure. Not a lot of people share the same skillset as their partners, but that’s beside the point. Can you guess what this ad is for? It’s for a telephone, but you wouldn’t know that until the last sentence.
What is up with vintage ads and writing essays anyways? The entirety of this advertisement has no point other than to downplay the importance of a women (and to tell her she needs a new toy to talk to a friend while doing kitchen work).
Men Are Better Than Women!
What simple times we used to live in. As if any man could one-handedly hold an adult woman by a string. This ad is all about putting women in their place like the last one. And the next one. And probably the next…
Oh, no, it’s actually about hiking sweaters. Almost missed that in the sea of text that is the 1960s. Not only are they fashionable, but they’re also not a “drag” like the wife is. And for only pennies, you can get one in brass (is it plated?), olive, white, or gray! And you don’t even need your wife to show it off. Cool beans!
Maternity…Corset?
Huh, this one is not about how a woman belongs in the kitchen and we’re actually shocked. It is, however about making yourself look skinny… while pregnant. Yes, as ironic as that sounds, this truly is a maternity corset.
Claiming to give you “better babies” by providing perfect abdominal support. And you won’t look like you’re with child, the only thing a woman was needed for back then. How perfect!